Sparky, I take it that you are -with your reference to the 'hidden hand'- taking exception to my suggesting a common plug design.
I can't say I object, and I am sure things will -eventually- shake out. Until then, the code requirement, and the anticipated increase in safety, is just so much more eyewash.
My point was also that, in this case, the 'hidden hand' has a name attached to it: Advance. That's how dominant they are.
Otherwise, the guy who replaces the ballast has zero input into the purchase of the fixture, let alone the manufacture of it. Sure, the parts house might attempt to offer many different makes of the connectors ... but this isn't likely to accomplish much; if nothing else, as every Chinese plant comes up with it's own design.
